DIY, tech, projects, stuff from Adam Fraser-Kruck

Here is my team's design for a Christmas mini golf fundraising event. Completed over a few very late nights (although the wood working was done a bit earlier). We put a lot of volunteer hours into it and I'm very happy with how it turned out. Tons of fun to build and strangely satisfying to watch it run totally automated ball after ball...

Putt... zzzzzz... bonk, bonk.... BOOM!

HOW TO BUILD IT

The video above gives a good idea of how it all works together and I've written up some more details below for people interested in going further. Remember that you can pause the video at the explanation points to give you more time to read. Enjoy!

Really simple concept: scan an input c file, find the functions that need prototype declarations, and then output the prototype declarations for you to copy and paste into a header or at the top of your file.

I use this simple tool when quickly prototyping microcontroller c code. Just write your code without worrying about declaring function prototypes, then copy and paste the code into this tool and it will create the declarations for all functions that have not been declared yet. No rocket science going on, just saves you some time.

You can also use this tool to merge additions to your header file if you have a number of functions that you forgot to declare. Just paste the header and source files together in here and let the script spit out the missing declarations to add to the header.

Keep in mind that this tool is intended for quick prototyping. If you are making something complicated, best plan out your headers. Don't blame me for helping you be lazy :)Read more...

Does your Bosch dishwasher run for hours and hours before finishing? Mine did and I found out that this is a common problem caused by a cold solder joint on a heating relay. Just had to re-solder the problematic joint (it will be obvious when you see it!) and I was back in action. I've also heard of anecdotal advice suggesting that you stay away from the extended clean cycle going forward.

The hardest part of this whole operation is getting to the control board and knowing where all the hidden clips are. I had made a short video, but I seem to have misplaced my media. Will update if found.